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748. Padaro - Salt de la Cavra - Laghel
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/ A technical stretch of the tour towards LaghelPhoto: M. Giacomello, Garda Trentino -
/ A technical stretch of the tour towards LaghelPhoto: M. Giacomello, Garda Trentino
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/ The "roman Bridge" in CenigaPhoto: Archivio APT Garda Trentino (ph. Promovideo), Garda Trentino
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/ Laghel, through olive groves in ArcoPhoto: Archivio APT Garda Trentino, Garda Trentino
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/ The Castle of Arco from LaghelPhoto: Archivio APT Garda Trentino (ph. Vuilleumier), Garda Trentino
The ascent from the olive groves of Arco leading to Padaro alternates between sections of gravel and cement. The gradients here can reach a leg-busting 20%, but the views of High Garda are very much worth the effort. Continue to climb on an asphalted section to meet the gravel track on the right. Here you will discover the first very technical section of terrain: due to its morphology, and of course - gradient. One section in particular is difficult to cross due to a landslide, meaning the terrain is loose with little possibility for improvement.
The second stretch of descent on a dirt / gravel road, although quite steep and sometimes loose in sections, does not present any significant technical difficulties. Keep in mind however, that the various cemented sections when wet, or during the autumn period can prove more of a challenge due to loss of traction.
Author’s recommendation
Safety information
BIKER’S CODE OF RESPONSIBILITY
- Plan your ride
- Share the trail with other users
- Yield right of way to hikers
- Let your speed be determined by your experience
- Ride slowly on crowded trails, overtake with politeness and respect
- Cycle only on authorized and open trails
- Avoid muddy trails in order not to damage them further
- Respect nature, plants, animals and the trail
- Do not frighten animals
- Take your rubbish home with you
- Respect public and private property
- Always be selfsufficient
- Do not cycle solo in remote areas
- Take back home only good pics
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET !
Suggestions taken from NORBA and IMBA codes of conduct.
The information on this chart is subject to inevitable variations, so this means that none of the indications are absolute. It is not entirely possible to avoid giving inexact or imprecise information, given how quickly environmental and weather conditions can change. For this reason we decline any responsibility for changes which the user may encounter. In any case, the hiker is advised to check the conditions of the places, environment and weather before setting out.
Tips, hints and links
This is an official route of the Garda Trentino Provincial Network of MTB routes, regularly maintained and accompanied by specific signage. A summary of the legislation is available on our website: www.gardatrentino.it
For more information on routes and bike services: rentals, workshops, shops and cycling friendly accommodation: APT Garda Trentino, Tel. +39 0464 554444 - www.gardatrentino.it
The texts relating to the route described in this sheet have been produced by Marco Giacomello, mountain bike guide.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
The proposed route starts in Arco, or more precisely at the cycle path near the Caneve car park. Following the initial directions, head toward the town centre, where there are no signposted directions. However, it is fairly easy to find the church in the centre of the town and cross ‘Piazza III Novembre’, leaving the building behind you.
At the far left of the piazza, where Via Vergolano begins, immediately turn right, taking Via del Dosso. Follow the charming lane, which crosses the historical centre of Arco, and continue on to Via Stranfora. After passing a characteristic fountain, climb a few meters and then turn left to go through the arch of the town’s ancient walls. Continue to the right passing the entrance to the Arciducale Park and then turn left. At the successive forks in the route, you will find the route 748 signposts, which lead you through the beautiful olive groves of Arco.
When you reach the main road to Padaro, keep right, and follow it to reach the small hamlet. You’ll be happy to know there is fountain here to refill your water supplies. Continue on the main road and after about 500m on your right you will see the signs leading to a trail which takes you the most challenging part of descent yet.
Initially the terrain is a little exposed, then - as anticipated - gradually becoming rougher. At the end of this section, keep right going down to the church of Santa Maria di Laghel. Turn left here and continue straight onto via Laghel for just under 1.5 km. The signposts will then lead you to turn right onto a dirt / gravel road. At the start, this section is quite flat, soon turning in to a cemented stretch of descent. Having reached the end of the descent you will see Maso Lizzone on your left. Turn right here to reach the nearby Roman Bridge of Ceniga. Do not cross the bridge but continue straight ahead to follow the quiet road of Prabi until you meet the another more modern bridge close to the centre of Arco. Here turn right onto Via Segantini, then left onto Via Ferrata. And once again you will arrive in Piazza III Novembre - the route finish point: well placed for a refreshment at one of the many local bars and cafés.
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Note
Public transport
Public transport friendly
The towns in Garda Trentino - Riva del Garda, Torbole sul Garda, Nago and Arco – are connected by a number of urban and intercity bus lines which will take you to the starting point of the trail. For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
You can also get to Riva del Garda and Torbole sul Garda by the public ferry service. For up-to-the-minute information on timetables and routes: www.gardatrentino.it
Info about bike public transport: www.gardatrentino.it
Getting there
Getting to northern lake Garda / Garda Trentino: www.gardatrentino.it
Parking
Free parking slots available at the starting point of the tour (Parking place Caneve, 5 minutes from the centre of Arco)Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
- Garda Trentino BIKE map – On sale in information offices in Riva del Garda, Arco and Torbole and online
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
Riding your bike requires specific clothing and equipment, even for relatively short and easy trips. It is always better to be prepared… e.g. for bad weather or a drop your energy levels. The unexpected things also make up a part of the fun!
Remember to throughly evaluate the type of route you plan to do, the locations you plan to cross and the current season. Has it been raining? Attention: The paths may be slippery and require more caution.
What do I need to bring on my bike tour?
- An adequate water supply according to your needs (considering temperature, possibility of refuelling and duration of the route)
- Plenty of snacks (for example, dried fruit or energy bars)
- Waterproof / Windproof jacket.
- A spare top / spare socks. (Descending in a sweaty garment, will make you cold)
- Suncream
- Sunglasses
- Bike gloves/mitts
- Map or GPS device
- Bike lights: best placed on your helmet or handlebars. (It is always best to be prepared)
- Bike repair kit for punctures and mechanical breakdowns
- First aid kit
- Emergency whistle
It is always advised to let someone know where you plan to go and how long you expect to be.
Emergency telephone number 112
Questions and answers
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